The Great Possum Caper

One day my husband fixed a leak under the commode in my bathroom.  Being the handynan he is, he cut a small hole in the floor to make it easier to reach the pipe.  Fine--no problem--leak fixed.  Now he will fix the hole and life goes on-right?  Wrong!  He decided to leave the hole for a few days to make sure the leak has been permanently fixed.  Now that few days has turned into  months.  Although it is a small hole, I have tried my best to conceal it but there is just so much I can do to make a hole in the floor attractive..

Now fast forward about six montbs.  The hole is still there even though I have done all I can to conceal/decorate it.  But it is still there.

One night I stumble into bed exhausted after transporting four kids to four different activities as well as the usual daily struggles of running a household with four kids.  Around 2:00 in the morning my little dog woke me up with frantic barking and yelping.  I forced one eye open to see him jumping up and down on the floor by my bed.  He looked at me as if to say, "I'm trying to protect you, now come on and do your part."  When I did manage to stumble into the bathroom I was instantly awake.  There between the commode and the waste can was a  possum.  Pugsley, my dog had him trapped.  I could not move because I was totally in shock until Pugsley barked again as if to say,"See I told you.  Now get rid of it.  I'm tired and want to go to sleep."

Frantically, I woke my husband and screamed, "THERE'S A POSSUM IN MY BATHROOM!  GET UP AND KILL IT!"  He looked at me as though he thought I had totally lost my mind.

"Ok, get me something to use to kill it," he calmly said.  I ran to my grandson's room and came back with a ball bat.  I gave the bat to hubby and jumped on my bed and covered my eyes.  I could hear the battle raging on in the bathroom. "Hiss!"  "Pow!" "Ka Pow!" "Boom!"  Finally all was silent so I opened my eyes.  There on the floor lay the lifeless body of the intruder.  I carefully picked it up by the tail and placed it into a plastic bag and ran to throw it into the outside garbage can.

I was finally able to fall back to sleep but the bathroom light was left on for the rest of the night.

I bet you thought this was the end of the story.  WRONG!  While going about my daily chores the next morning, my grandkids came running to me with excitement written all over their faces.  "Nanny, Nanny, Nanny  (all three were talking at once.  There is a possum in our garbage can and he is alive!" I went out to see what what was happening and sure enough when I raised the lid of the can, I could see two beady little eyes staring up at me.   I don't know what eventually happened to this wayward creature.  The kids think he escaped and is now living happily ever after with his family.  I hope so.  But at least he is not living his life with my family.

The next morning when I sat down for my morning visit with God, I asked Him, as I always do "What do you want to talk about today Father?"  His answer came as a total surprise to me.  "I want to talk about the possum."

"What about the possum?" I asked in astonishment.

"That was a small hole in your floor wasn't it?"

"Yes, it was a very small hole." I answered, not sure where this conversation was going but definitely intrigued by it.

"Well that possum was able to come into your house through that small hole, wasn't he?"

"Yeah,"  I slowly answered.

"Just like that possum squeezing though such a small opening in your floor that was unguarded, the enemy can enter your heart through a small unguarded hole in your heart.  Just as that intruding animal filled you with dread, the enemy can fill your heart with fears and worries.  When he does that you do not fully trust me to care for you."

Suddenly, I understood what He was telling me.  We must always guard our hearts against the enemy that roams around trying to find who he can devour.  Satan doesn't need a door with a welcome sign, he enters through a hole he finds unguarded.  Don't make it easy for him to enter your heart.  Fill your heart with joy and love and trust in a heavenly Father who loves you unconditionally and will never leave you unprotected.

Oh, by the way--the hole in my floor has been fixed!

When Life is Hard

Some days it seems as though there is nothing I can do that is right.  The kids are grouchy when they get up for school and things go down hill from there.  I know you have all had days like this.   Usually mornings like this come on the heels of nights that seem so long and sleep evades me.   I have a clock that reflects the time on the ceiling.  Some nights I find myself gazing at this clock and thinking it has stopped because time seems to drag by.  A wonderful clock for an insomniac for sure.  Lately, I have been going through a time when depression is my constant companion.  I don't mean to bring you all down and discouraged when my purpose is to be an encouragement.  I'm sure God is teaching me something about myself but I just haven't learned the lesson yet.

I just need your prayers and understanding as I go through this tough time.  Remember, Moses was once a basket case.

LOL with God by Pam Farrel and Dawn Wilson

In this devotional of hope and humor for women, I found the hope consistent and the humor very uplifting.  Some of the devotionals seemed to speak right to my heart and helped me through a tough time.  Each devotional consists of a bible verse, a short story to make the point of the devotional, a short prayer, a place to write your own thoughts, bible verses called "text helps" and a short humorous story called LOL.

Although I found the book to be very enlightening I do confess the "text" verses at the beginning of each devo was a bit puzzling at times.  However, I did concentrate on the verses because I had to decipher them.

I enjoyed reading this book and will recommend it to others.

I received this book from Tyndale publishers in exchange for an honest review of the book.

Why Do Something Now When You Can Put It Off?

Well, I've put this post off as long as I can. I guess I will write it and get it off my to do list. Today I had to go to the doctor for a physical exam. Something else I have put off for too long. I hoped that if I waited long enough I would automatically feel better--well, that did not happen. So...........now I have to have more tests and more blood drawn. Procrastination never benefits me but I keep doing it anyway. Maybe I subconsciously wait because I get a "high" by barely making a deadline or maybe I am just old and lazy. Laziness is probably the reason for my procrastination. I have intended to research the scientific reasons for this problem but just have not gotten around to it.


Well, I have put off washing my dishes long enough so I guess I had better do that now. I will post more when that is done. That is, if I can find the time to.

Until then, see ya later on the edge.

The Butterfly Effect by Andy Andrews

YOUR LIFE MATTERS!!!  This is the message of the book by Andy Andrews.  What decision we make today or what action we take will have an effect on other people for generations.

I believe that what happens to us happens for a reason and some of these events happen because someone years ago made a decision that brought about our situation.  Mr. Andrews relates the story of Col Chamberlain who made a decision in the Civil War that affected our country.  Because of that decision we have a United States of America and not a divided country.

This book will cause you to stop and think about every decision you make.  It is truly a thought provoking book.  Although it is a small volume in size it contains more truths that a book with thousands of pages.  It will make a wonderful gift for family or friends that have made a difference in your life.  However, I will buy another copy for a gift.  I plan to keep my copy to read over and over especially when I feel the "What's the use" monster creep into my thoughts.  I will read this tiny book and realize that what I do does make a difference and my actions ARE important.

The book is very attractive in appearance and very well illustrated.  I will definitely recommend this book.

I received this book from Thomas Nelson in exchange for an honest and open review.

The Boy Who Changed the World by Andy Andrews

This is a wonderful story for children.  Mr. Andrews' is a master storyteller and through this book children can learn that they can make a difference in the world.  This book carries a thought provoking question to everyone who reads it.  I CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.  MY LIFE COUNTS.  What an awesome message to send to our children.  We all need to know that our lives count and effect others. 

The illustrations are very well done and are of good quality.  I applaud the illustrator for the work that went into each and every one of them.

I have read several of Mr. Andrews' books and have never been disappointed.  I do recommend this book to anyone who has children or has contact with children in any way.  Our children need to know that their lives count and what decision they make or action they take today can have far reaching effects on not only the people they know today but for generations to come.

I received this book from Thomas Nelson in exchange for an honest review.

Captured By Grace by Dr. David Jeremiah

Amazing Grace.  I have heard this song since I was a child but had never thought about it in the way Dr. Jeremiah has explained it.  He tells the life stories of Saul who persecuted early christians and John Newton who dealt with the slave trade.  Through retelling these men's life stories Dr. Jeremiah demonstrates that grace can touch each and every life.  He dissects each verse and relates the effect grace has on each and every one of us.

I found the story of Victoria Ruvolo fascinating.  If only we could be show the grace she did toward her "attacker."  I found this book very interesting and enlightening.  In parts of the book, I felt as though Dr. Jeremiah were speaking directly to me.  I will highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to know the depth of God's grace.  I will "lend" my copy to family and friends but I plan to keep this book ro reread time and again.

Times Flies When You Are Having Fun

Well, school has started again and life is returning to "normal".  By this I mean I spend all day cleaning and five minutes after the kids get home, you can't tell I have done anything.  When they ask me, "nanny, what have you done all day?" it is not a smart aleck question but because they have destroyed my whole day's work, they actually want to know.  I think I will take pictures and post them on the wall so when they ask me that question--I can point to the picture and they will have their answer. 

Frequently, I will become so busy with my work that I do lose track of time and before you know it that same yellow bus that takes them away will bring them home again.  This seems to be happening earlier and earlier in the day lately, I have looked at my watch and think that it is running 2-3 hours too fast until I stop and see the show that is on tv.  and realize that the day is almost over.  You know what the old saying is "time flies when you're having fun."  I guess that is true because while I am cleaning up after the little darlins' I find myself remembering the good times and fun we have had.  Remembering the good times does make the mundane chores go by faster.  The next time you find yourself scrubbing up a sticky floor or washing a dirty load of laundry say a little prayer of thanks that the kids who made the mess are in your life. 

Latte Daze by erynn mangum

Maya Davis' life is complicated.  Her ex-boyfriend is engaged to her roommate and best friend, she is barista at Cool Beans, and her brother and sister-in-law have just announced they are pregnant.  Then there is Jack, her co-worker and friend who might be falling in love with her.  Does she love him?  After all they have been friends since second grade.  When she thinks her life could not get more complicated, her roommate's totally obnoxious mom moves into the apartment to help plan the wedding--or does she have a more sinister agenda?

Told with humor and fun, this story will keep you wondering what will happen next.  I thoroughly enjoyed this book and plan to read more by this author.  erynn's light-hearted, down to earth style will leave you wanting more.  Her brand of humor is like caffeine--addictive and at the same time satisfying.  You will come away from this book with a fresh and rejuvenated look at life, love, and friendships.

I will recommend this writer's works to family and friends.

This book was given to me by NavPress in exchange for an honest review.

Flight to Heaven by Capt. Dale Black

I received this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.


Reading Flight to Heaven reinforced the fact that God is who He says He is and we serve an awesome God.

The sole survivor of a catastrophic plane would crash would be amazing on its own merit but Capt. Black's story doesn't end there--in fact it begins at that point. Capt Black is taken on an awesome journey to Heaven and shown what Heaven is like. This experience sends him on a life-long journey of faith that will forever change his life.

Written in an inspirational and motivational style that captured my attention from the first page to the last page. This book will renew your faith in God and trigger a homesickness for Heaven.

I found Capt. Black to be very credible and real. He did not embellish his experience for sensationalism but told his story in a straightforward and candid manner.

I recommend this book to anyone who wants to know what lies ahead when we reach Heaven. I could not put this book down until the last word on the last page was read. My reaction: WOW! I do serve an awesome and magnificent God.

The Boy Who Came Back From Heaven by Kevin and Alex Malarkey

I received this book from Tyndale Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

After a tragic car accident left Alex with injuries so severe no one thought he could survive, God worked miracles that everyone in awe.  Alex was in a coma for months while family, friends, and complete strangers prayed for his recovery and healing. 

After coming out of the coma, Alex related a story to his father that his father initially had trouble comprehending.  It is only after Alex reported what had happened at the accident scene and later in the hospital that Kevin could grasp the immensity of his son's experience.  Alex told his father that he had visited Heaven and spoken with God.  But this is not the only contact Alex had with angels during his recovery.  He relates his experiences with these heavenly creatures in such intimate detail, the reader is left feeling as though the angels are in the room while he is reading the book.

The book kept me riveted to each page from the first page to the last.  I am a christian and reading Alex's description reinforced for me the fact that God does take care of His children and never leaves us.  I will (and have) recommended this family and friends.

Thank You

I want to say "thank you," to my readers who nominated me for the 2010 top CSAHM blog.  I was pleasantly surprised to learn of my nomination and selection for the award.  I hope that what you read on my blog will be encouraging in some way to you--if only to say "Thank you Lord, that I am not living her life."  See, I can encourage you and you can find something to be thankful for in any of life's struggles.

Again I want to say a heartfelt "thanks" to each and everyone of you.  May God fill your blessing basket to overflowing. 

Time4Learning

I’ve been invited to try Time4Learning for one month in exchange for a candid review. My opinion will be entirely my own, so be sure to come back and read about my experience. Time4Learning can be used as a homeschool curriculum, for afterschool enrichment and for summer skill sharpening. Find out how to write your own curriculum review for Time4Learning.

The Edge of the Divine by Sandy Patty

In this book Sandy Patty is honest and open about her stumbles in her Christian walk.  She candidly talks about her struggles and consequences of poor decisions in her past and her ongoing struggles with her weight.

I appreciated Ms. Patty's straightforward method of letting the reader know her inner thoughts and struggles.  She presents the details of her past like an invitation to her life.  Her writing style is conversational and easy to follow.  Reading this book is like talking to an old friend I haven't seen in a while.  The way she spoke of "the edge" hit a note with me because when I named my blog "life on the edge" that is the meaning I had in mind.

I recommend this book to anyone who is facing trials in their life either from poor decisions in their past or perhaps a physical problem they are enduring.  This book is for anyone who is "on the edge"  wondering which side of the cliff they will land on.

This book was provided by Booksneeze (Thomas Nelson) in exchange for an honest review.

No Man is an Island

Friends, I have just been diagnosed with moderate COPD.  I have to stop something that I have been doing for over half my life--smoking.  I cannot do this alone.  I need your prayers.  This is the first post I have written asking for something.  But I do need and want your prayers.  If anyone has tips please send them to me.

I know I am not alone in this.  My Father is with me.  Thank you all so much for being my friends.

Root, Root, Root For the Home Team

I came across this on the internet today.  It is not only a good story but at this time of year, it seems to fit.  My kids' seasons are almost over but I do admit I have enjoyed watching them play.

Root, root, root for the home team! I’m not sure who wrote this story but they creatively captured the reality of grace!

 Freddy and the Lord stood by to observe a baseball game. The Lord's team was playing Satan's team. The Lord's team was at bat, the score was tied zero to zero, and it was the bottom of the 9th inning with two outs. They continued to watch as a batter stepped up to the plate whose name was Love. Love swung at the first pitch and hit a single, because Love never fails. The next batter was named Faith, who also got a single because Faith works with Love. They had runners at first and third with two outs. The next batter up was named Godly Wisdom. Satan wound up and threw a fast ball. Godly Wisdom looked it over and let it pass: Ball one. Three more pitches, one slider, one curve and another fast ball --- Godly Wisdom walked on four straight pitches --- because Godly Wisdom never swings at what Satan throws.The bases were now loaded. The Lord then turned to Freddy and told him He was going to bring in His star player as a pinch hitter. Up to the plate stepped Grace. Freddy said, "He sure doesn't look like much!" Satan's whole team relaxed when they saw Grace. Thinking he had only one more easy out to win the game. Satan wound up and fired his first pitch. To the shock of everyone, Grace hit the ball harder than anyone had ever seen. But Satan was not worried; his center fielder was an All-Star. He went up for the ball, but it went right through his glove, hit him on the head and sent him crashing to the ground; then the ball continued on its bounce over the fence for a home run! The Lord's team won!

Blind Hope: An Unwanted Dog and the Woman She Rescued by Kim Meeder and Laurie Sacher

Blind Hope is a powerful story of love.   We are taken on a journey with Kim Meeder and Laurie Sacher.  It is a journey of love for a dirty unkempt dog Laurie rescues from an abusive home.  When she rescued the dog she named Mia, she did not know how much this little dog could teach her about love and God's grace.

Laurie had sought love and acceptance from other people.  She would hide her true self and put on masks she thought others wanted to see.  It was only when she brought Mia home with her did she really learn true acceptance.  Because of Mia's peace and contentment in spite of going blind, Laurie learned to lean on God to bring her to the understanding of her past and hope for her future. 

I enjoyed reading this book because it also helped me to listen to God and lean on Him more in my own struggles.  I recommend this book to others who are animal loves but also to others who need to listen to God's teachings through everyday life and living.  I intend to keep this book to read again and again when I find myself trying to live life on my terms. 

This book was given to me by Multnomah Waterbrook in exchange for an honest review.

Hot by Laura L. Smith

Lindsey has emerged from an ugly duckling to a beautiful young woman who dresses like a model.  She should be happy but inside she feels empty.  Her parents are so caught up with her rebellious sister and Lindsey feels alone.  She thinks no one understands her until she meets Noah.  He possesses a calm confidence and Lindsey wants this for herself.

She finds herself caught up in world of popularity, fashion and boys.  She is torn between values she has grown up with and the temptations that face our teenagers today.  She is haunted by questions that she cannot find answers to.  Will Lindsey discover what matters most before she becomes even more entangled in the new world she has discovered?

This book will be an invaluable addition to any teenage girl's library.  I recommend that parents read this book to understand the problems and questions that face our young girls today.  I recommend this book highly and am looking forward to reading other books by this author.

I received a free copy of Hot from Navpress in exchange for an open and honest review.

New Site

Friends, I have started a new site for my original writings.  I will still keep this site updated and post here but visit my other site and hopefully be encouraged there as well.  The new site is http://ritingsandramblings.web.com/.  Come on over and enjoy.

The Heart Mender by Andy Andrews

While Andy Andrews was digging up a tree beside his home on the Gulf Coast, he found a rusty can containing Nazi artifacts. This whetted his appetite to find the story behind these rare findings. He interviewed neighbors and other residents of his home town until he was able to piece together the story behind his amazing discovery.

During WW II Germany dispatched submarines and U Boats to the Gulf to sink US vessels filled with supplies for the war. These attacks and the people involved form the basis for The Heart Mender. Lives of both German soldiers and the residents of the Gulf Coast intertwine to bring the story to life.

Helen Mason has recently lost her husband to the war. She has not recovered from her loss and was walking late one night along the beach. She soon discovers a wounded man lying on the beach. Angered when she sees his German uniform she decides to leave him there to die. But when she hears an unusual pharase he utters she changes her mind and helps him to her home to nurse him back to health.

The Heart Mender is set agains a backdrop of angry suspicions. Struggles faced by the people touched by the war are chronicled. It is a story of how people were forced to face fears of the future and ghosts of the past in order to survive the frightening present.

Although I am not an avid reader of war stories this book captured my interest and refused to release it. It is more than a story of war; it is a story of forgiveness and redemption. I do recommend this book. I have read several of Andrews' books and was not disappointed by this one.

After reading this book I did some research of my own and discovered the U-Boat mentioned in The Heart Mender was found sunk in the Gulf. In fact it is very close to the current oil spill. If you would like to read more of this interesting period in our country's history go to www.andyandrews.com. I don't think you will be disappointed.